Yes I had my driving lessons in manual, and drive now a semi auto.
It good to be able to drive manual. Some years ago we traveled to Europe and my husband and me both rented a car, both manual cause it was so much cheaper. I was glad I knew how to drive a manual.
My 16yr old daughter has currently driving lessons, also in a manual.

Go the auto. Manual cars are becoming less common. I can drive manual, but never really did it as I have always have auto cars.

My dad made me learn manual and made sure my first car was a manual so I had no excuses haha but I’m glad he did. Now I can jump in any car and drive

If you learn to drive a manual you can drive just about anything in an emergency, including a farm vehicle, and small van or small truck (If you had to – if it meant saving a life you would do it).
After driving an automatic later you might be a bit jerky but you would get from A to B if necessary.

I was always too scared to try driving a manual so stuck to an automatic car..I don’t think I know anyone who has a manual car at the moment.

I learnt to drive a manual to prove to the males in my family that I could. Many years later I bought an automatic and love it. I’ll not go back to a manual, although I’m glad I have that knowledge.

Most cars are auto these days but it would be a good skill to have

Learned to drive in a regional town in Europe. Manual was the only option. Back then I didn’t even know autos exist. Personally didn’t find it complicated at all. Was just a part of learning to drive.
I think that having the auto option makes people think of manual as complex. Take the option away and manual is just driving a vehicle.

I have both and enjoy both but mainly drive automatic vehicles.
I do enjoying driving a manual vehicle when I get the opportunity.
It does take time to learn how to drive a manual but I am glad I persevered.

Manual is great to have just incase you ever need to drive one….you just never know! Different states have different regulations around this though.

I went for an automatic license for this exact reason. My son went for his automatic license too. But apparently, after having his full license for so many years, he can now legally drive a manual. I’m not sure of all the details, he lives in Victoria if that helps

Automatic is definitely easier to learn and easier to pass the driving test as there are less things to be tested on. I just taught both my kids to drive a manual, with the help of a paid instructor and they both wanted to give in and go automatic but I wouldn’t let them. I said you never know when it might come in handy and also might be required down the track for a job. I guess you could get your automatic first then do a manual later but it will end up costing more as you will need more lessons and have to pay for the test again.